How to Clean a Serrated Knife
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Serrated Knives: The Bread Knife Challenge
Serrated knives — bread knives, steak knives, and tomato knives — have teeth that trap food particles and are harder to clean than straight-edge blades. The serrations also make wiping dangerous if done carelessly. Here's how to clean a serrated knife safely and thoroughly.
What You'll Need
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Small brush or toothbrush
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Knife edge guard for storage
Safety First: How to Handle a Serrated Blade
Serrated edges are particularly dangerous because the teeth catch on cloth and skin unexpectedly. Always:
- Hold the knife by the handle, never the blade
- Wipe from spine to edge — never drag a cloth along the serrated edge
- Use a brush rather than a cloth to clean the serrations
Step-by-Step Cleaning
- Rinse the knife under warm running water immediately after use
- Apply a drop of dish soap to a soft brush or toothbrush
- Scrub along the serrations with the brush — the bristles reach into each tooth effectively
- Wipe the flat sides of the blade with a soft cloth, moving from spine toward the edge
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth, patting the serrated edge rather than wiping across it
Removing Food Stuck in the Serrations
Bread crumbs, tomato seeds, and other food particles get lodged in the serrations. A toothbrush is the best tool — scrub along the length of the blade with the bristles working into each tooth. For dried-on residue, soak briefly in warm soapy water to soften before brushing.
Can Serrated Knives Go in the Dishwasher?
No — for the same reasons as all kitchen knives. The dishwasher dulls the serrations, corrodes the blade, and damages the handle. Hand wash only.
Storing a Serrated Knife
Use a knife edge guard sized for the blade length, or store in a knife block with a slot wide enough for the serrated edge. Never store loose in a drawer — the serrations catch on everything and dull quickly.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a serrated knife safely comes down to using a brush instead of wiping across the teeth, and always moving from spine to edge. A toothbrush is your best tool for getting into the serrations. Hand wash, dry immediately, and store with an edge guard.
